Connection standard
1/4 in quick-connect: the wand outlet nozzles plug into
The 1/4 in quick-connect at the wand outlet: which wands, tips, turbo nozzles, surface cleaners and foam cannons use it, and why fit says nothing about rating.
Also listed as 1/4 QC, 1/4 inch quick connect, 1/4 quick coupler
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Short answer
The 1/4 in quick-connect is the push-in joint at the wand outlet where nozzles and attachments go. SIMPSON's MSH3125 lance, DEWALT's DXPA31SW wand, RYOBI's RY1419MT wand, Westinghouse's PWEXT and the Active 2.0 lance all have one, and DEWALT's tips and turbo nozzles, RYOBI's and DEWALT's surface cleaners and MJJC's QRFLSV3 foam cannon plug into it. The connection says nothing about pressure: each part carries its own rating. MTM says some residential washers need its separate Low Profile plug.
What fitsAll 5 items that fit
- Nozzle set, size 4.0SIMPSON 80146 1/4 in quick-connect nozzle set, 5 tips, size 4.0, 4,500 PSICheck price on Amazon
- Turbo nozzle, size 4.0SIMPSON 80144 universal turbo nozzle, 1/4 in quick connect, size 4.0, 4,500 PSICheck price on Amazon
- Surface cleanerSIMPSON 80625 universal 16.5 in surface cleaner, 2,000‑4,000 PSI, 1/4 in QCCheck price on Amazon
Key facts
- How to recognize it
- On a disconnected, depressurized part only: the small push-in coupler at the end of the wand or lance, which nozzles and attachments plug into (for example SIMPSON's 16 in MSH3125 lance and RYOBI's RY1419MT wand)[1][2]
- Thread
- None at the joint. Behind it there may be a pipe thread: MTM's PRIMA by Veloci couplers and plugs come in 1/4 in MPT and FPT versions, and MTM's SGS28 gun has a 1/4 in FPT outlet[3][4]
- How it seals
- Dixon's industrial quick couplings seal with O-ring and valve seals[5]The pressure-washer makers read do not describe the 1/4 in seal.
- Male and female ends
- RYOBI lists a 1/4 in quick-connect nozzle coupler on the RY1419MT wand; MTM's PF22.2 foam cannon kit adds a 1/4 in plated-steel QC plug, and MTM says some residential washers need its separately sold Low Profile QC plug (24.5006)[2][6]
- Where makers use it
- Wand outlets: SIMPSON MSH3125 lance, DEWALT DXPA31SW wand, RYOBI RY1419MT wand, Westinghouse PWEXT, Active 2.0 lance. Attachments: DEWALT DXPA34ST and DXPA45ST tips, DXPA34TN and DXPA45TN turbo nozzles, RYOBI RY31SC12 and DEWALT DXPA34SC surface cleaners, SIMPSON 80165 surface cleaner (discontinued), MJJC Foam Cannon S V3.0 (QRFLSV3)[1][7][2][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
- Adapters makers sell
- MTM's PF22.2 kit: a 1/4 in M22 adaptor and a 1/4 in plated-steel QC plug, with the Low Profile QC plug (24.5006) sold separately. MTM PRIMA by Veloci 1/4 in couplers and plugs by MPT or FPT port thread[6][3]No ratings were visible on MTM's collection page.
- Ratings on parts
- DEWALT DXPA34ST tips and DXPA34TN turbo: 3,400 PSI. DXPA45ST tips and DXPA45TN turbo: 4,500 PSI. DEWALT DXPA31SW wand: 4,500 PSI. DEWALT DXPA34SC surface cleaner: 3,400 PSI. RYOBI RY31SC12: 2,300 PSI. Westinghouse PWEXT: 4,000 PSI maximum[11][13][10][12][7][15][14][8]
- Common mix-ups
- 1/4 in is a connection size, not a nozzle size: Cat Pumps says the nozzle number and spray angle are stamped on the tip (a '4-25' is size 4 with a 25-degree fan). DEWALT's size 3.0 and 4.0 tip sets share the 1/4 in quick-connect but carry different ratings[18][10]
- Not confirmed
- Not confirmed1/4 in QC dimensions and tolerances; which residential machines need MTM's Low Profile plug (MTM names none); plug or socket naming on many parts.
Watch out for
- MTM says some residential washers need its Low Profile 1/4 in QC plug (24.5006) instead of the plug in the PF22.2 kit.
- A 1/4 in QC fit says nothing about pressure: RYOBI's RY31SC12 is a 2,300 PSI surface cleaner and DEWALT's DXPA34SC a 3,400 PSI one.
- Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never to exceed the wand's rated pressure or volume and never to use it with unapproved accessories.
- Change nozzles only with the trigger locked and the pressure relieved; Westinghouse's PWEXT manual says never change nozzles while spraying or under pressure.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Nozzle set, size 4.0
SIMPSON 80146 1/4 in quick-connect nozzle set, 5 tips, size 4.0, 4,500 PSIChoose the five-tip set in orifice size 4.0.
SIMPSON lists 1/4 in quick-connect plugs.
Nozzle set, size 4.0
DEWALT DXPA45ST 4,500 PSI quick-connect spray tips, 5 tips, size 4.0, stainless steelChoose the DXPA45ST set in orifice size 4.0.
DEWALT lists a standard 1/4 in quick-connect wand connection.
Turbo nozzle, size 4.0
SIMPSON 80144 universal turbo nozzle, 1/4 in quick connect, size 4.0, 4,500 PSIChoose the turbo nozzle in orifice size 4.0.
SIMPSON lists a 1/4 in quick-connect plug.
Surface cleaner
SIMPSON 80625 universal 16.5 in surface cleaner, 2,000‑4,000 PSI, 1/4 in QCChoose the 16.5 in surface cleaner.
SIMPSON lists a 1/4 in quick-connect inlet and a minimum as well as a maximum PSI and GPM, so check your machine's output fits its range.
Foam cannon
SIMPSON 80271 high pressure foam cannon, 1 L, 1/4 in QC plug, 1,600‑4,000 PSIChoose the 1 L foam cannon with the 1/4 in QC plug.
SIMPSON lists a standard 1/4 in QC plug. Covered as hardware only.
Questions
Is a 1/4 in quick-connect the nozzle's size?
No. The 1/4 in is the connection. The nozzle's size number sets its flow, and Cat Pumps says the size and spray angle are stamped on the tip, so a '4-25' is size 4 with a 25-degree fan. See nozzle sizes.[18]
Why won't a foam cannon plug lock into my washer's wand?
MTM says some residential washers need its separately sold Low Profile 1/4 in QC plug (24.5006) instead of the plug in its PF22.2 kit. Compare the plug with your wand's coupler before buying.[6]